The CW Strikes Exclusive Deal with NASCAR for Xfinity Series Broadcast Rights
The racing world is abuzz with excitement as The CW, under Nexstar’s majority ownership, ventures into live motorsports. In a groundbreaking agreement, The CW has secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 2025 to the end of the 2031 season, as reported by TheStreamable.com.
NASCAR, a sport that has been looking to shake things up, has found a partner in The CW. The Xfinity Series, which operates one level below the top-tier Cup Series, features popular manufacturers and models such as the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang GT, and Toyota TRD Camry. With the introduction of the Next Gen cars at the start of the 2022 season, all eyes are on this latest generation.
The Next Gen cars boast a sleeker and more athletic appearance compared to their Generation 6 predecessors. While prioritizing safety with modern components, these cars aim to closely resemble showroom models. With enhanced aerodynamics, downforce, and reconfigured chassis, the Next Gen cars promise to deliver a highly competitive racing experience that is sure to attract even more viewers. This move to secure exclusive broadcast rights for the Xfinity Series is a strategic move by NASCAR and The CW to capitalize on this potential.
Brian Herbst, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with The CW. He stated, “CW’s leadership shared a compelling vision for cultivating the next generation of NASCAR talent by bringing the NASCAR Xfinity Series exclusively to broadcast television, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with them. The NASCAR Xfinity Series consistently delivers the moments that excite current fans and create new fans of our great sport.”
However, for some viewers, this exclusive move to The CW may pose a challenge. Currently, Fox and NBC Universal hold NASCAR’s broadcast rights until the end of 2024, with the Xfinity Series primarily airing on FS1 and USA Network, alongside races shown on Fox and NBC. These channels are readily accessible through most cable and satellite providers.
The CW, known for its lineup of DC Comics superhero series and young adult dramas, is making a strategic shift in programming. Deals like LIV Golf and an interest in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) demonstrate Nexstar’s commitment to diversifying their content offerings.
Viewers in major metropolitan areas can easily access The CW through an antenna or bundled cable packages. The channel is also available on select live TV streaming services like Hulu Live and Fubo. However, viewers relying on DIRECTV or DIRECTV STREAM may face challenges as Nexstar is currently engaged in a public dispute with the provider.
Despite potential access challenges, motorsports enthusiasts have reason to celebrate. The exclusive deal between The CW and NASCAR promises an exciting journey ahead, with the opportunity to enjoy races and witness the evolution of newer cars for the next eight years. Regardless of where fans can watch it, this announcement is sure to ignite excitement among racing enthusiasts.
In conclusion, The CW’s acquisition of exclusive broadcast rights for the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 2025 to 2031 marks a significant milestone for both the network and the racing world. With the introduction of Next Gen cars and a commitment to cultivating the next generation of NASCAR talent, this partnership between The CW and NASCAR is poised to deliver thrilling racing experiences to viewers across the nation. While access may be a concern for some, the promise of witnessing the evolution of motorsports over the next eight years is undoubtedly something to look forward to.
